Huang Laiqiang of Tsinghua University discovered that for one type of orchid, "procreating is a lonely affair" - it self-pollinates!

Rather than depending on insects or even the wind for pollination, scientist have discovered that the orchid Holcoglossum amesianum actually fertilizes itself, according to a report in this week's Nature.

The orchid produces no scent or nectar, and the researchers did not see a single instance of pollination by an insect or by wind. Instead, the pollen-bearing anther uncovers itself and rotates into a suitable position to insert into the stigma cavity, where fertilization takes place.